should i go to college after the military?

Question

I want to be a cop, and the requirements for all the agencies i have looked at are either 4 years of active duty in the Military, or 60 college credits. After I get out of the Military (Marines) should I even go to college? I know the Marines will pay for some of it, but is it worth the time and the money I have to put in? Also, will college benefit me at all when it comes to promotions, or are the promotions based on performance and Merit?

Answer 1

Your questions are good and deserve good answers. I've been in law enforcement for 26 years and have served on my department's recruitment team, appraisal board for new applicants, been a field training officer, and a mentor for academy trainees. I don't think you'll find a better source or more highly qualified person to answer your questions.

I can very easily answer you main question; whether or not to go to college after leaving the Marines. BY ALL MEANS, YES!!! You will be making a HUGE mistake by not taking advantage of this time in your life to focus on a higher education. First of all, your opportunities for promotion of any kind will be greatly enhanced by a college degree, even a two-year degree. I can't tell you how many candidates for sergeant in my own department were suddenly disqualified, literally overnight, when the Chief changed the prerequisites for promotion to include a minimum of 90 college credits, with a preference for a 4 year degree.

The trend among many departments, at least in California, where I work, is to require college credits to be minimally qualified to apply as a police officer. Although my department does not currently require this, I can tell you from the standpoint of assessing candidates durings oral appraisals that a lack of higher education is a definite minus. I will grant that service in the armed forces certainly helps, but service to your country, in and of itself, does not guarantee being more highly "qualified". Let's be painfully honest. Spending time in the armed forces does not necessarily equate to being more highly educated upon discharge. One may acquire a skill, but not a skill that is applicable to civilian life or a career in law enforcement.

As far as promotions being based upon performance and merit, at least in civilian law enforcement, the answer varies from department to department, but it has been my observation, at least in the two departments I have worked for, the answer is a definite and unequivocal NO! Although civilian law enforcement can be considered para-military in nature, this does not extend to the promotional process. While the military rewards performance and merit with promotion, civilian law enforcement, at least in the larger departments, does not, at least not to any great degree. Civilain law enforcement can be equated to any private sector company, where politicking and "who you know" counts for as much, if not more, than your performance and merit. And, the sad fact is, women and minorities are frequently given preference simply because of who they are. (Anybody who even attempts to deny this is living in some kind of fantasy world and is likely high on a mind-altering substance.)

In closing, let me say without any reservation whatsoever, YES, A COLLEGE EDUCATION IS MOST DEFINITELY WORTH THE TIME AND EXPENSE. And why not get some added benefit for service to your country? It will NEVER be easier for you to attend college than when you leave active duty and before you start a career. Once you do, your occupation, raising a family and other constraints will keep you from seeking a higher education. Believe me, I've watched countless cops use these excuses for decades to avoid it. Myself included. Good luck, and thanks for your service for the protection of our country.

Answer 2

I did six years in the Army then became a Police Officer. I probably wouldn't have gotten that job without the veterans preference. By the time I had a dozen years in Police Work I had picked up enough credits for a degree but it was the practical experience, that was helpful not classwork.

Only about 16% of Veterans use the GI Bill, most are married with children when they get out and go right into the workforce.

Answer 3

Yes, in fact you can earn many of those 60 credits while in the military through free education programs available for active duty members of the armed forces. You should speak to a guidance counselor regarding ROTC and a recruiter regarding that and educational opportunities for active duty and discharged military personnel.

You can probably enlist into the Military Police, which would qualify you for many police forces after 4 years with no problem. I'd suggest seeing if a recruiter can promise you that assignment, and don't be afraid to talk to Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard recruiters about being an MP. See who will put it in writing.

Answer 4

Def bypass to college first except you could no longer have the money for to. Then a 4 3 hundred and sixty 5 days enlistment is superb fairly with the recent gi bill which will pay effortless housing allowance... permit's think of 1500.00 a month while you will college finished time. So enlist 4 years=militia will pay on your college+housing each and each month whilst at school (in case your lease is seven-hundred you will pocket 800 no decide for for a PT activity) or bypass to college first and alter into an officer (if the militia is what your activity would be for awhile if no longer existence).... can not bypass incorrect its in basic terms what suits you in basic terms right.

Answer 5

A 4 year college degree is so common and so useless that most employers pretty much ignore it now. Your best bet is to get into the military police for at least year or two, and you will be on the top of the list for hiring and promotions when you join the police force. You will still have to go through the academy just like every other police officer, but you will have your pick of which force you want to be on as opposed to where they need bodies the most.

Answer 6

You should go back to school as soon as possible! I'm in my late 40's and now going back full-time since the kids are grown and out on their own. I wish I had gone back years ago, but with mortgage, wife, kids, duties with the military, etc, I put it off. Now I got rid of the wife, sold the house she was in and I was paying for, kids all grown now, its time for me!!! I put 2 of the kids thru college, and one in the medical field of the military, and have served 27 years. Its time "J" gets some "payback"!!! Better late than never!
Start now Marine! Even if its just one or two classes on line, do something, you'll never regret getting an higher education!

Answer 7

As a senior citizen, I can advise you to get a college education as a means to fall back on should you ever not be able to do the physical work needed to be a police officer. Also, if you look at the different levels of promotions as an officer, usually it entails a few courses at a local college. So having a few years of college behind you will help tremendously.

Answer 8

No, you shouldn't go to school after the military -- you should go WHILE you're in the military. They offer you huge assets, plus it can advance your career. True, they will help you out after you finish your contract -- but it's not nearly as beneficial as taking advantage while you're still active duty.

Answer 9

I think the Marines will pay for all of your college. I know the Navy and Army pays for it all. Go to college. I don't think you will ever regret it. Good luck in what ever you decide

Answer 10

Go to college and go into the service as an officer.

Even a little college will benefit you forever. Don't discount it.